Manus affairs are not Parkop’s business

NCD Governor Powes Parkop is opposed to Manus Island being used as a processing centre for asylum seekers and intends to go to court to prevent this humanitarian gesture by the O’Neill government to a close friend, Australia.
As an NCD resident, Parkop’s behaviour confirms my fear that he is an out-of-sorts politician, whose priorities are misplaced.
Someone needs to remind him that he is a resident of NCD and not Manus.
His first and foremost duty is to serve the people of the capital.
Someone should take him around the city and show him how bad the conditions of many of our roads are, how unreliable services such as gar­bage disposal have become, how poor our public transport system is and how badly many of our rate-payers need water and electricity.
Governor Charlie Benjamin, elected by the Manus people, has publicly stated his support for the government on this issue.
Clearly, Parkop has no business poking his nose there.
How can Parkop not see that by accepting Australia’s request, we are not only helping a friend who has always stood by us, but also ensure asylum-seekers or political refugees  are treated in a dignified manner as they seek a chance for a better life?
How can he not see the processing facility would cost us nothing?
In fact, the Manus people stand to benefit from a development package that I am sure the government would secure for them as part of the deal.
Get real, Parkop; roll up your sleeves and do what we, NCD residents, elected you for and that is to deliver essential services.
If he insists there is a cause to fight in court for the Manus people, then he should do it in his own time, using his own resources.

Ai Karenge
Port Moresby